Retractable Stabilizer and Method of Use

Abstract

An apparatus and method for use of an improved shoring system for providing stabilization and protection for fences particularly in high wind situations such as severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. The structure of the shoring system provides rigidity and security to a fence and acts to prevent or minimize the chances of destroyed, lost, or tipped-over fencing.

What is claimed is the following: 
     
         1 . A retractable fence stabilizer comprising:
 a vertical support member comprising a length and one or more flanges disposed along the length of the vertical support member;   an intermediate support member comprising a length and one or more flanges disposed along the length of the intermediate support member;   a bottom support member comprising a length and one or more flanges disposed along the length of the bottom support member;   a base pad;   wherein, the bottom support member is joined to the vertical support member via a first flange affixed to the vertical support member and the one or more flanges disposed along the length of the bottom support member;   wherein, the intermediate support member is joined to the vertical support member via a second flange affixed to the vertical support member along the length and the one or more flanges disposed along the length of the bottom support member;   wherein, the intermediate support member is joined to the bottom support member to form a joint via one or more flanges affixed to the intermediate support member and one or more flanges affixed to the bottom support member;   wherein, the base pad is affixed to the joint formed by the intermediate support member and bottom support member.   
     
     
         2 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more flanges disposed along the length of the vertical support member comprise two flanges, wherein the two flanges are disposed at a termination point of the length of the vertical support member. 
     
     
         3 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more flanges disposed along the length of the intermediate support member comprise two flanges, wherein the two flanges are disposed at a plurality of termination points of the length of the intermediate support member. 
     
     
         4 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more flanges disposed along the length of the bottom support member comprise two flanges, wherein the two flanges are disposed at a plurality of termination points of the length of the bottom support member. 
     
     
         5 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 4 , wherein the first flange affixed to the vertical support member is disposed along the length of the vertical support member in an inferior position to the second flange. 
     
     
         6 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 4 , wherein the second flange affixed to the vertical support member is disposed along the length of the vertical support member in a superior position to the first flange. 
     
     
         7 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 5 , wherein the second flange affixed to the vertical support member is disposed along the length of the vertical support member in a superior position to the first flange. 
     
     
         8 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more flanges disposed along the length of the vertical support member are further affixed to a fence. 
     
     
         9 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 8 , wherein the fence is a wooden fence. 
     
     
         10 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 9 , wherein the fence is a wooden fence post. 
     
     
         11 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 8 , wherein the fence is a rigid post. 
     
     
         12 . A retractable fence stabilizer for mounting to a wooden fence for reducing the likelihood of falling over due to a wind event comprising:
 a vertical support member comprising a length, a first end, and a second end;   an intermediate support member comprising a length, a first end, and a second end;   a bottom support member comprising a length, a first end, and a second end; and   a base pad;   wherein, the vertical support member is secured to a fence via a top flange affixed to the first end of the vertical support member and a bottom flange affixed to the second end of the vertical support member;   wherein, the bottom support member is joined to the vertical support member proximate to the second end of the vertical support member via a moveable flange, wherein the moveable flange is further joined to bottom support member via a flange disposed at the first end of the bottom support member, wherein the moveable flange and the flange form a hinged joint;   wherein, the intermediate support member is joined to the vertical support member proximate to the first end of the vertical support member via a second moveable flange, wherein the second moveable flange is further joined to intermediate support member via a second flange disposed at the first end of the intermediate support member, wherein the second moveable flange and the second flange form a second hinged joint;   wherein, the intermediate support member is joined to the bottom support member to form a third hinged joint at the second end of intermediate support member and the second end of the bottom support member;   wherein, the base pad is moveably joined to the third hinged joint.   
     
     
         13 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 12 , further comprising an extended position wherein the first hinged joint is disposed in a position proximate to the second end of the vertical support member and wherein the base pad is secured to a surface. 
     
     
         14 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 13 , further comprising a collapsed position wherein the second hinged joint is disposed in a position proximate to the first end of the vertical support member and further wherein the first hinged joint is disposed in a position closer to the first end of the vertical support member than the second end of the vertical support member. 
     
     
         15 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 12 , wherein the base pad further comprises one or more attachments to secure the base pad to a surface. 
     
     
         16 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more attachments is a plurality of spikes. 
     
     
         17 . The retractable fence stabilizer of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more attachments is a plurality of stakes.